Five-inning mercy rules have been the early story of the season.
But the Shriners Children’s Clearwater Invitational will be the Bruins’ first true test of the season, as they will face three top-10 opponents across the three-day tournament.

No. 4 UCLA gymnastics will face No. 9 Michigan on Saturday in a top-ranked Big Ten matchup. Daily Bruin contributor Kate Bergfeld analyzes the Wolverine squad ahead of the clash.

A baseball team’s best hitter can only bat once every nine times.
Collegiate starting pitchers often only take the mound once a week.
Even elite defenders have limits to their range.

This post was updated Feb. 11 at 8:41 p.m.
The Big Ten boasts seven top-25 and four top-15 teams.
The Bruins – who top the conference rankings – have defeated each of the other top-15 conference rivals within the past 10 days. 
“Everyone else in the Big Ten, besides the West Coast schools, only take one of these long trips,” said coach Cori Close.

This post was updated Feb. 11 at 5:46 p.m.
No. 1 UCLA baseball is just days away from its first pitch of the 2026 season following a 2025 campaign where the Bruins secured a share of the Big Ten title and a Men’s College World Series appearance.

Dominance has been the narrative of the Bruins’ 2025-2026 campaign.
Come to a game at Pauley Pavilion, and you are virtually guaranteed an 80-plus point showing and a UCLA victory by at least 20.

This post was updated Feb. 11 at 1:56 p.m.
After a runner-up finish at the 2025 national championship, No. 4 UCLA gymnastics is back – and has its sights set on taking home the gold.